Sheffield United: Murphy is on a war footing

Jamie Murphy has warned Sheffield United must be relentless in their pursuit of Championship football next season, writes James Shield.

The former Scotland under-21 international issued his directive ahead of today’s League One encounter against Crewe Alexandra which could see Nigel Clough’s side strengthen its grip on a play-off place.

“We all want the same thing and we want to do it together,” Murphy said. “We’re under no illusions about wanting promotion as soon as possible with this football club.

“So, as players, it’s up to us to go out there and achieve it. We’ve achieved nothing yet.”

United enter the meeting with Steve Davis’ side fifth in the table and hoping to record their third victory at Bramall Lane in the space of seven days following victories over Port Vale and Scunthorpe.

The visitors are 21st but, Clough insisted last night, are “capable of playing any team off the park home or away.”

“We have to make sure they don’t do that here,” he added. “A week ago we were being told we had no chance of getting in the play-offs whereas now all I hear is that we’re definitely in there.

“Neither is true. We’re in a good position, that’s all.”

Echoing his manager’s sentiments, Murphy said: “In the space of a week you can climb up three places or you can go down three places. That’s what this division is like.

“We’ve worked hard to get where we are and we don’t want to give it up easily.

“That means trying to win every single game and being ready to fight every single week.

“There’s a long way to go get, lots of points to play for and lots of big games coming-up.

“But the great thing is there’s a real sense of direction about the group.”